Sunday, May 12, 2013

Bringing Prayer Back to N. Carolina Schools: Bill

To counter the atheist threats against teachers, students, and school boards, the North Carolina legislature is moving a bill to make clear that students and teachers alike have rights to pray in school. Sponsors of the bill say the law simply codifies the existing case law, including U.S. Supreme Court decisions that allow prayer in school.

"Some educators — many times out of ignorance, sometimes out of base motives — and certain outside groups intimidate students into silence or inaction in matters of faith or practice."-- Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League

The bill that passed [a Senate committee] unanimously Thursday says students can pray and express religious viewpoints as long as they don't create disruptions. It also requires school employees to show "appropriate respect" toward students who are properly exercising their rights.

The Senate Education Committee signed off on two bills Wednesday intended to protect free expression in schools and colleges.

One measure gives student organizations at the state's public colleges and universities the right to select leaders and govern themselves without interference from administrators, so long as their actions don't violate state or federal law. Another bill clarifies students' rights to religious expression as long as they don't disrupt public schools.

Sen. Dan Soucek, R-Watauga and the sponsor of the student organization bill, said he decided to craft legislation after hearing from a religiously affiliated group that isn't able to demote leaders if they stray from the group's beliefs. He didn't name the group.